History A level

This home study course provides a clear and thought-provoking assessment of this endlessly fascinating subject, and the emphasis is not just on knowledge.

Components and/or options

• History A2
• History AS

It is said that we can learn from the past to avoid the same mistakes in the future. The study of history is concerned with when and why things happened, and attempts to analyse the significance of past events.

This distance learning course provides a clear assessment of the historical background to the 19th and 20th centuries. The emphasis is not just on knowledge; you will learn how to evaluate and analyse information, how to weigh up evidence, and how to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Benefits

• Explore the significance of events, individuals, cultures and social movements in history.
• Gain an understanding of international relations and the political causes of many major wars.
• Learn how to gather and analyse information, weigh up evidence and communicate effectively.
• Develop the ability to critically evaluate historical sources from within their political context.

Topics include

• Unit 1: Historical themes in breadth, Option F: The expansion and challenge of nationalism
• Unit 2: British history depth studies, Option D: The British Empire c, (D1) Britain and Ireland, 1867-1922
• Unit 3: Depth studies and associated historical controversies, Option B: Politics, protest and revolution
• Topic B2: Challenging authority: Protest, reform and response in Britain c. 1760-1830
• Unit 4: Historical Enquiry: Theme CW19: Representation and democracy in Britain c. 1830-1931

Entry requirements and hours of study

• A grade C or above in English or its equivalent is desirable.
• You should allow 150 hours of study for the AS and 150 hours for the A2, plus extra time for completing assignments.

Specification

EDEXCEL, AS:8HI01, A2:9HI01

Recommended texts

You will need to buy the following essential textbooks:

AS:

• The Unification of Germany 1815-1919 by Farmer, A and Stiles, A, (third edition), Hodder Access to Education History series 2007 (ISBN 9780340929292)
• From Second Reich to Third Reich: Germany 1918-45 by Layton, G, Hodder Access to Education History series 2008 (ISBN 9780340965818)
• Edexcel GCE History: Britain and Ireland, 1867-1922 by Collier, M, Heinemann, 2008 (ISBN 9780435308278)

A2:

• The Forging of the Modern State: Early Industrial Britain 1783-1870 by Evans, E, (third edition), Longman, 2001 (ISBN 9780582472679)
• Edexcel GCE History A2: Unit 4 Coursework Book 2009, (ISBN 9781846905094)

Coursework

Two written exams for the AS, each 1hr20mins and worth 60 marks. One written exam (2hrs) and one coursework task for the A2.